How Fantasma is building its North American presence

Before we dive into Fantasma’s growth plans, let’s take a step back. You joined Fantasma after building a strong career with industry leaders such as Games Global and IGT. What attracted you to Fantasma?

“I’ve spent most of my career in the iGaming industry, starting in B2C, then transitioning to the lottery sector before moving into several B2B commercial roles. Throughout that journey, I worked across a variety of international markets, but North America was always a region that sat on the periphery of my experience.

“What attracted me to EveryMatrix and Fantasma was the opportunity to focus on a market that has enormous potential and a very distinct identity. North America is unique because everything, from product development through to commercial strategy, is built specifically for local players and operator needs.

“You also get the opportunity to work closely with some of the biggest operators in the industry, all of whom are highly focused on delivering the best possible player experience. That combination made the move a very exciting prospect for me.”

Fantasma has continued to build significant momentum this year. From your perspective, how has the studio evolved since it was founded in 2016?

“Fantasma has been around for nearly a decade, and one of the most impressive aspects of the studio’s journey has been its ability to evolve alongside the markets it serves. A key part of that evolution has been an increased focus on North America.

“We’re already seeing this reflected in games such as Bonus Bullets, where both the theme and gameplay mechanics have been designed with North American players in mind. It’s a great example of how the studio is adapting its content strategy to meet the preferences of specific markets.

“While many European markets share similar design preferences and gameplay expectations, the US market has developed its own identity”

“As Fantasma continues to grow, it’s important that we become even more market-focused. North America represents a significant opportunity, and you’ll continue seeing us develop games, promotional initiatives, and dedicated content strategies tailored specifically for players and operators across the region.”

While North America is your primary focus, you’ve also worked closely with stakeholders across multiple regions. How does the day-to-day commercial landscape in North America compare with more established markets, such as Europe?

“There are some clear differences. The biggest challenge in the United States is the fragmented regulatory environment. Each state operates under its own regulatory framework, creating additional layers of complexity for suppliers and operators alike. In Europe, there are, of course, country-specific requirements, but the overall landscape is generally more consistent.

“Player preferences are also very different. While many European markets share similar design preferences and gameplay expectations, the US market has developed its own identity, heavily influenced by land-based gaming traditions. As a result, you often see different game styles, mechanics, and player behaviours compared to other regions.

“In the US, where regulated online casino gaming is still relatively young in many states, gameplay experience is often the primary driver of performance”

“Canada presents another interesting dynamic. In many ways, it aligns more closely with the UK and broader European markets, both in terms of player expectations and operator approaches. Operationally, North American operators also tend to have dedicated regional teams, whereas in many other parts of the world, a single team may oversee multiple markets.

“As a supplier, understanding these nuances is essential to building successful commercial relationships and delivering products that resonate with local audiences.”

Looking specifically at North America, Fantasma is live across both the US and Canada. Do you notice any meaningful differences in player preferences, game performance, or operator expectations between the two markets?

“Absolutely. One of the key reasons is that online gaming has been available to Canadian players for much longer through offshore and .com operators. As a result, Canadian players are often familiar with a broader range of game styles, volatility levels, and RTP models.

“In the US, where regulated online casino gaming is still relatively young in many states, gameplay experience is often the primary driver of performance. We frequently see lower to medium-volatility games perform particularly well, while land-based influences continue to shape many player preferences.

“We’re focused on delivering experiences that players haven’t seen before while ensuring our games remain highly relevant to local preferences”

“Canada, on the other hand, tends to show a greater appetite for variety. Players are more open to exploring different volatility profiles and game mechanics. While these are broad market trends rather than hard rules, understanding these differences helps us tailor both our product roadmap and commercial strategy more effectively.”

If you had to pick just one, which Fantasma game stands out as your favourite and why?

“For North America, I’d have to say Bonus Bullets. It does an excellent job of combining familiar themes with engaging gameplay mechanics that resonate with local players.

“If we’re talking about my personal favourites across the entire portfolio, I’d highlight Chonker Riches and Dragon Duello. Both games immediately grabbed my attention because of their visual quality and overall presentation. Once you’re playing, they’re incredibly engaging, with high-volatility gameplay and constant action on the reels. They perfectly showcase the creativity and entertainment value that Fantasma is known for.”

What can operators, partners and players expect from Fantasma in the North American market for the remainder of 2026?

“Operators and players can expect a steady stream of fresh content from a studio that is still relatively new to the North American market. We’re focused on delivering experiences that players haven’t seen before while ensuring our games remain highly relevant to local preferences.

“You’ll also see more content specifically designed for North American audiences, including branded experiences, exclusive releases, and market-focused innovations. Our commitment is to continue investing in the region and expanding our presence with games and partnerships that create real value for operators and entertaining experiences for players.”